Falcons release former Pro Bowl S Thomas DeCoud

DeCoud was let go by the Falcons on the opening day of free agency as the team began retooling after a dismal 4-12 season.

A third-round pick in 2008, DeCoud made 78 starts during his six seasons with the Falcons. He earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2012 as the Falcons came within one victory of making the Super Bowl, losing to San Francisco in the NFC championship game.

But DeCoud’s production tailed off significantly in 2013, and the Falcons decided the 28-year-old no longer fit in their plans.